Ernesto Halffter, from mixed German/Spanish stock, was the brother of Rodolfo Halffter whose Bagatelas I recorded last year. While Rodolfo was on the side of the republicans, and consequently had to flee to Mexico, Ernesto was a supporter of general Franco. But I don't hold that against him, such is the beautiful and life-affirming quality of his music. Halffter was the star pupil of Manuel de Falla, some of whose works he completed and transcribed. Halffter's influences were (obviously) Falla, Scarlatti, Stravinsky, and Spanish music from Renaissance to flamenco. I plan to submit some more of his works soon.

Intriguingly, this piece (published in 1951) is dedicated A Maria Isabel de Franco. I could not find any evidence whether or not this lady was related to the Generalissimo.

I don't know anything about this composer and would not think to look for anything "Spanish-sounding" by him, but this is a nice piece and sounds Spanish. I like it! Well-played too, although I had to listen with my crappiest earphones so I couldn't hear any bad things.

_________________"Simplicity is the highest goal, achievable when you have overcome all difficulties." ~ Frederic Chopin

I don't know anything about this composer and would not think to look for anything "Spanish-sounding" by him, but this is a nice piece and sounds Spanish. I like it!

I thought you would.

pianolady wrote:

Well-played too, although I had to listen with my crappiest earphones so I couldn't hear any bad things.

I don't think there are any bad things, though in hindsight the 'quasi pizzicato' staccatis should have been executed with less or no pedal.

I can't tell how much reverb you added, but possibly just take some out and you'll get better 'pizzicato'. Easier than re-recording. Actually, now I'm wondering if we can apply reverb to only certain sections of our audio files instead of the entire thing. I've never tried that but I bet you can....

_________________"Simplicity is the highest goal, achievable when you have overcome all difficulties." ~ Frederic Chopin

Sure you can add reverb only to a selected part of your recording, I've done so many times by mistake, and had to correct itafterwards. Not something you'd want to to, I think. It would sound really strange and contrived, as if suddenly the whole ambiancehad changed.Anyway it's not the reverb being the problem, it is my pedal usage.

This is a colorful and beautiful piece in every way. This is my first hearing, but I believe you play it convincingly. It sounds as there there are many accidentals in the chords to keep track of, but without the score I could be wrong on that. Those momentary shifts in tonality keep the piece very fresh. Thanks for posting it!

You've probably already thought of it, but for purposes of the archive, probably you should include the two brothers' first initials to differentiate them. It's easy to get them confused, at least for me.

David

_________________"Interpreting music means exploring the promise of the potential of possibilities." David April

Thanks guys. Yes I think this piece is a peach. Quite tricky but worth the effort.Yes I will take care the two Halffters are not confused. It prompted me to rewrite part of the code that deals with composer/artist names and links.The New Recordings list currently shows some inconsistencies, still working on it.

I also have some Rodolfo and Cristobal. The latter is interesting in the light of what you said. It is quite tonal, being a one-movement sonata in A and not too many accidentals or even big chords on the way either. I have not tried it, but It does not look atonal or whatever you branded him as.

_________________Richard Willmer"Please do not shoot the pianistHe is doing his best."Oscar Wilde: Impressions of America: Leadville

That is very interesting Richard. Seems like a Spanish Album of real interest, going way beyond the ubiquitous Albeniz, Granados and Turina.Can you give me the details of this book, or would would you be inclined to scan the various Halffter items for me ?

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